The Origin of Rai
Early in the 31st century, the entire land mass of the island nation of
Japan was blanketed by hundreds of levels of high-tech urban sprawl. In
order to support such a spectacular megalopolis, with its population of
over 50 billion, a tremendously powerful central computer was designed
to control every aspect of the island's function. In 3050, that
computer went "freewill", which meant that it took on an independent,
artificial intelligence. The populace dubbed it "Grandmother" because
of its clearly benevolent desire to care for and protect the people of
Japan. To insure her own safety, Grandmother created a security force
of one. Forged in the image of the legendary 20th century hero,
Bloodshot, her Spirit Guardian would be called "Rai".

The first Rai was infused with some unknown form of energy which
gave him great strength, and the ability to form Energy Weapons. He was
also able to travel through the nerveweb of Japan, the computer network
which gave Grandmother control of the city, thus allowing him to move
anywhere inside Japan at virtually the speed of thought. The line of
Rai would be passed from father to son through the generations.

The Secret Fate of the Second
Rai

In the year 3216, seeking to thwart Grandmother's champion, the
Anti-Grannies had somehow managed to obtain the Blood of Heroes - the
very plasma that coursed through Bloodshot's veins nearly twelve
hundred years before. Once a suitable host could be found, the blood's
power could be used to give them control over any electronic
intelligence - including Grandmother's. Sho Sugino, the second Rai, was
summoned to defend Japan, protect Grandmother, and defeat the
terrorists. Of course, Sugino succeeded (Rai#0)...but
at a cost which was destined to become legendary.

Grandmother was determined that no one would ever be allowed to
use the Blood of Heroes against her. She told Sugino to hide the blood
in a place no one could possibly reach - and in the process of
executing this final command, the second Rai simply vanished from the
face of the Earth. (Be sure to check out Secrets of the
Valiant Universe #2, coming this October, for the
incredible truth behind this mystery!).

The Fallen Warriors

For hundreds of years thereafter, the Spirit Guardians continued
to stand in Japan's defense. Some of them even gave their lives to
preserve the peace and order for which the megalopolis became world
renowned. In 4001 A.D., however, the Earth was invaded by vicious
Spider Aliens, and Grandmother was forced to launch Japan into space in
order to defeat them. With the combined might of Earth's forces, the
armada was repelled, but Grandmother was so badly damaged that she
finally left Japan to govern itself. The Rai of that time, Tohru
Nakadai, remained behind to champion his nation, until his death at the
hands of Mothergod during the Unity conflict.

Mothergod proved disastrous to Japan. As a result of her
machinations, the orbiting island fell from space shortly before
Tohru's death, killing billions of its inhabitants. But in its darkest
hour, Takao Konishi, a Harbinger with the potential to receive the
Blood of Heroes, was chosen to inherit the mantle and continue the
lineage of Rai (again, Rai #0).

Two Heirs to the Blood of
Heroes

Konishi would not last long as Rai. Only one year later, the Malev
Empire attacked the solar system in the great invasion of 4002. After
leading a ragtag band of rebels against the aliens, Konishi gave his
life in one final, triumphant bid to destroy the Emperor himself (Rai
and the Future Force #22).

Seventeen years after the end of that war, not one, but two
young men have risen, both prepared to take on the mantle of Rai (Rai
#23). Obadiah Konishi, son of Takao, has been raised in Ladakh and is
now prepared to embark upon a quest to become the hero that his father
was (Rai #25). But Takashi Nakadai, son of
the last "true" Rai (under Grandmother's regime) also covets this noble
title. "Brothers" in spirit, these two young men are destined to become
mortal foes in a battle that someday soon will rock the world of the
41st century.